Prominent Yarra Valley winery, Oakridge Wines, has taken out the coveted number one spot in the highly anticipated Halliday Wine Companion ‘Top 100 Wineries of 2023’ list, selected by chief editor, Campbell Mattinson,

The Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries is a celebration of the best Australian producers of right now. “This is a list of producers who know, in their heart and in their head, that consumers don’t owe them a living. Who are prepared to stake their reputation on every single wine they release.” – chief editor, Campbell Mattinson.

The aim of the list is to introduce consumers to the nation’s leading producers and allow them to savour a wide array of exceptional wines. Oakridge’s top position underscores its unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional wines and further cements its status as one of Australia’s premier wine producers.

While Oakridge has enjoyed a longstanding reputation as a master of chardonnay, in the eyes of Mattinson, Oakridge’s expertise now transcends this single variety. “It has become overwhelmingly clear that Oakridge is a master of pretty much all the varieties in its orbit. Oakridge won the Best Value title at our annual awards this year but really, even with value aside, the wines are great, full stop.”

For chief winemaker David Bicknell, it’s undeniably a team effort:

“It’s a super result for the whole team and validates what they do, as they all play their part in making this place work. Whether it’s managing one of the farms, working in the winery, serving customers or cooking in the kitchen. I just have the privilege of managing such a dedicated and determined group who always try their hardest, giving it a red hot go.“

Senior Viticulturist, Steve Faulkner agrees “ We work as a team, winery and vineyard, with the single focus to make the best wine we can. In our vineyards we firmly embrace the opportunity to evaluate and do better year on year. For us, the devil is in the detail, doing the one percenters and pushing the boundaries of practices.”

Across the board, Victoria led the vote with 42 wineries making the Top 100 including 15 from the Yarra Valley. Oakridge’s victory underlines the winemaking excellence of this region.

Oakridge’s recognition in the ‘Top 100 Wineries’ comes on the heels of a double triumph earlier this year. The winery was honoured with the titles of ‘Australian Winery of the Year’ by The Real Review, and ‘Best Value Winery’ at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards, 

Oakridge stands proudly as one of the eight wineries of Paragon Wine Estates, the premium wine portfolio of Endeavour Group. When speaking of the win, CEO Steve Donohue commented “This is a fantastic accolade and I couldn’t be more proud of Chief Winemaker David Bicknell and the team. This reaffirms that our dedication to quality, sustainability and innovation is not only recognised but celebrated and for that I am thrilled.”

As Oakridge Wines celebrates this remarkable achievement, the winery extends its gratitude to its dedicated team, valued customers, and esteemed partners who have contributed to its ongoing success.